Quotable Quotes: Lady Nancy Astor
by Miki Saxon
Lady Nancy Astor was a Viscountess and the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons. In her 85 years, 1879 to 1964, she saw changes on a global level that rival anything we’ve seen since.
Let’s start with her more serious side.
First, a viable summary of the attitude that permeates both politicians and voters these days.
“The main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything or nothing.”
If you buy into her definition of education, you may start wondering exactly what young people are learning at our colleges and universities.
“Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer; into a selflessness which links us with all humanity.”
Based on this, almost no one on Wall Street could be considered educated.
“The trouble with most people is that they think with their hopes or fears or wishes rather than with their minds.”
And if hopes, fears and wishes don’t cut it, there are always hates, prejudices, and ideology—anything to avoid thinking.
On the lighter side, Lady Astor had some interesting commentary on the media, women and herself.
Looks like things haven’t changed much in more than 45 years, although she says “newspapers” the comment is just as appropriate for new media as any of the old.
“From the American newspapers, you’d think America was populated by naked women and cinema stars”
I love this one, because it reminds me of my youth. I was the person everyone else called the day after to find out if they had a good time; I knew I did.
“One reason why I don’t drink is because I wish to know when I am having a good time.”
Remember a couple of years ago at the height of the financial meltdown, Iceland suggested that if women had been in charge it wouldn’t have happened? I don’t agree, but I did get a kick out of Astor’s view of things.
“Women have got to make the world safe for men since men have made it so darned unsafe for women.”
Finally, on a very personal level, the Lady deals with the sensitive subject of age.
“I refuse to admit that I am more than 52, even if that makes my children illegitimate.”
Some things never change.
Image credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ladyastor.jpg
